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Kaplan University recently announced the launch of several new academic programs in business and information technology — areas that are in demand among students and promise growth in the job market. The new programs include Bachelor’s degrees in Business — Retail Management, Network Technology and Software Development; an Associate’s degree in Business — Retail Management; and a Six Sigma Certificate.
“Kaplan University constantly monitors market trends to ensure that our programs help students achieve their personal and professional goals,” said Kaplan University Provost Dr. David Clinefelter. “The innovative curriculum options we are adding will help us meet this objective.”
The Bachelor of Science in Business — Retail Management and Associate of Science in Business — Retail Management programs combine an interdisciplinary approach, using theory and application to help students develop a critical understanding of complex retail sales and management issues. The Associate’s degree is a 90-quarter-credit program, and the Bachelor’s degree consists of 180 quarter-credits.
The Bachelor of Science in Networking Technology provides students with the knowledge to install and manage operating systems and wireless devices, configure routers and switches, and design and monitor networks. Graduates will be prepared to work as computer and network systems administrators or system support analysts. Network and computer system administrator positions are expected to grow by more than 12,000 jobs per year through 2012 with expected starting salaries of $49,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Bachelor of Science in Software Development curriculum focuses on the full software development life cycle, including software requirements, specifications, and design and implementation techniques. Upon completion of the programs, graduates will be prepared to work as entry-level software developers, analysts or programmers. Average salaries for programmers/analysts in 2005 ranged from $52,000 to $83,250 according to Robert Half International, a staffing firm. Both Bachelor’s programs are 180 quarter credits.
The Six Sigma Certificate is a self-study program that can be completed in six months for the Green Belt level and 12 months for the advanced Black Belt level. Six Sigma students will learn to more effectively manage quality improvements in both processes and projects. The curriculum includes learning how to define project goals, measure existing performance and analyze defects to eliminate them from business processes.
Professionals with Six Sigma certification typically earn nearly 10 percent more than those without certification, according to the American Society of Quality’s 2004 Salary Survey. The typical salary for a Six Sigma Black Belt is $88,858. Several of the largest companies in the U.S., including General Electric, use the Six Sigma program. It can be incorporated into every facet of a business, including production, human resources, accounts receivable and technical support.
Kaplan University will begin enrollment for all of these programs immediately. Classes for the degree programs begin on Jan. 3, 2007.
Kaplan University, based in Davenport, Iowa, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Kaplan University currently serves more than 26,000 online and brick and mortar students.
About Kaplan Higher Education and Kaplan, Inc.
Kaplan, Inc.’s Higher Education Division includes Kaplan University, Concord Law School and more than 70 campus-based locations in 21 states. The higher education division offers Master’s, Bachelor’s and Associate’s degrees, as well as certificates designed to provide students with the skills necessary to qualify them for employment in fields such as Business, Criminal Justice, Education, Fashion and Design, Healthcare, Information Technology, Legal and Paralegal Studies. Kaplan, Inc. (www.kaplan.com) is a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses.
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